ADTA expands guide training programme

The internationally certified programme is a collaboration between Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and the World Federation for Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA).

The guide licensing courses are now in their fourth year with ADTA increasing its enrolment allocation by 25% and having to create a waiting list for would-be candidates.

"This is a highly encouraging response to our ongoing campaign to convince the industry of the need to deliver an exceptional destination experience through professionally trained and qualified guides,"

said Nasser Al Reyami, ADTA's Director Tourism Standards.

"We will continue to proactively provide real training opportunities for our valued stakeholders to grow and develop in tandem with the expansion of Abu Dhabi's tourism product base and profile. To ensure a sustainable and highly competitive industry, in terms of quality of service delivery, it is vital we provide practical assistance for our partners to develop their human resources."

Would-be guides enrolled on the programme, which began this week and runs until mid May include nationals of the UAE, the UK, Switzerland, Libya, Egypt, Germany, France, Lebanon, Russia and Poland who are all working in Abu Dhabi's private and public sectors.

"It is particularly heartening to note that the majority of participants are Emiratis who are responding to our proposition that an authentic destination experience is best delivered by nationals of the country who act as ambassadors for their homeland and its culture," added Al Reyami.

The programme provides practical guide training and assessment as well as a specific train-the-trainer segment, which enables trainers wishing to extend their skills and broaden their careers into supervisory and training roles.

On completion of the course, which is facilitated by Jenny Oulton, the WFTGA's International Trainer and Blue Badge guide and Michelle Sabti, the ADTA's Head of Tourist Guide Development and involves a variety of guest speakers, participants receive their Abu Dhabi Guide Licence and both ADTA and WFTGA certificates of completion.